Within the Sea of Consciousness of Liang Xiaoke, two spheres the size of fists were currently suspended. One was utterly black, emitting wisps of chilling radiance, while the other was crimson-gold, bursting forth with shafts of golden light. Faintly, the spectral image of a Raging Ape could be discerned on the surface of this golden core, continuously emitting roars.

This was the Raging Ape’s soul. The Blood Pupil Seal was originally the most potent technique for slaying spirits, yet this Raging Ape, having already condensed its Demon Core, managed to retreat its soul into the core in the first instance.

This Demon Core contained eighty percent of the Raging Ape King's strength. Although it was now swallowed by Liang Xiaoke, its soul remained entirely condensed within it, making it exceedingly difficult for Liang Xiaoke to absorb unless he completely obliterated the Raging Ape King’s soul imprint.

“Roar! Roar! Roar!” The spectral image of the Raging Ape King roared incessantly upon the surface of the golden-red Demon Core. The core spun continuously, casting erratic beams of golden light—the most violent energy imaginable, seemingly intent on tearing apart Liang Xiaoke’s Sea of Consciousness and escaping.

“It’s useless. This is my Sea of Consciousness, my world. No matter how hard you struggle, you cannot escape this place. Voluntarily retreat from the Demon Core and allow me to absorb its power. Perhaps if I’m in a good mood, I’ll even grant you reincarnation!” Sensing the Ape’s agitation, a phantom image gradually appeared above the black sphere—none other than Liang Xiaoke himself.

“Hoo… hoo…” The golden Raging Ape paid no heed to Liang Xiaoke’s words, and the golden Demon Core continued to unleash immense power, battering everything around it.

Feeling the intensifying strength of the golden core, a ferocious look crossed Liang Xiaoke’s face. In a moment of carelessness that day, this brute had ambushed him within his Sea of Consciousness, dealing a severe blow. If his own soul hadn't been imprisoned within that drop of blood, he might have suffered grave injury too. However, he had now fully recovered, and the Sea of Consciousness was nearly repaired. Digesting this Demon Core should have been effortless; he simply hadn't wished to exert the effort. Now, seeing the Ape’s defiance, he was overcome with fury.

“Damn you! Keep turning…” With a mighty roar, a colossal force materialized within the Sea of Consciousness, instantly pinning the Demon Core in place. The black Corpse Core transformed into a meteor and slammed violently into the Demon Core.

Both the Corpse Core and the Demon Core held immense power. Their collision was like the impact of two stars, erupting in a deafening boom that shook the entire Sea of Consciousness, making it seem on the verge of shattering.

Pain flashed across Liang Xiaoke’s face once more, yet he disregarded it, risking the destruction of his Sea of Consciousness to strike the Demon Core again.

“Rumble…” This was a direct confrontation of raw power. After countless collisions, lines of cracks finally appeared on the golden Demon Core. The spectral image on its surface also revealed signs of exhaustion, clearly having sustained heavy damage.

“Heh heh, even if you shatter my soul like this, you will suffer a severe backlash. Can you still absorb my power then?” At this moment, the phantom image atop the Demon Core let out a sinister laugh.

“A mere little demon. Did you truly think you were a Sacred Beast? Watch this—Blood Sea Purgatory…” Liang Xiaoke scoffed. The nearly fractured Sea of Consciousness rapidly repaired itself, quickly becoming whole again. Then, a sea of blood materialized within it, churning up towering scarlet waves as it surged toward the Demon Core.

Soon, the Demon Core was completely enveloped in the sea of blood. Streams of bloody water seeped through the core’s fissures, causing the Raging Ape King to emit another ear-splitting cry of agony.

This was because the blood sea was not only dissolving its Demon Core but also corrupting its soul. The searing pain made the Raging Ape King contemplate begging for mercy several times, but in his current state, he lacked even the opportunity to plead.

Enveloped by the blood sea, the Demon Core was swiftly broken down into streams of golden energy. The Raging Ape King’s residual soul was entirely devoured by the sea of blood, vanishing completely from existence.

The black Corpse Core then hovered above the blood sea, beginning to rotate, constantly absorbing the power flowing from the sea—the power of the Demon Core.

Gradually, golden patterns began to emerge on the surface of the black Corpse Core. The number of patterns increased until the entire surface of the core was coated with a faint layer of gold.

The aura of the Corpse Core was filled with cold malice and bloodlust, while the Raging Ape King’s essence was inherently violent and domineering. After absorbing the entire Demon Core, the Corpse Core now contained an undertone of ferocity and tyranny amidst its existing bloodiness. The entire Sea of Consciousness was thoroughly submerged by this sea of blood.

From this point forward, the Blood Sea Purgatory became Liang Xiaoke’s true Sea of Consciousness.

And starting from this moment, Liang Xiaoke finally ascended to the third level of the Corpse Emperor realm, equivalent to the peak of the Martial Saint boundary. However, in terms of sheer combat power, Liang Xiaoke possessed at least a hundred ways to ensure the demise of a peak Martial Saint.

Of course, if he encountered someone on the verge of breaking through to the Martial God realm, that would be an entirely different matter.

Within his Sea of Consciousness, the battle had lasted only a short while, but outside, a full seven days had passed…

Ye Jingyu still sat quietly opposite Liang Xiaoke, sensing the continuous fluctuations emanating from Liang Xiaoke’s body. The look of worry on his face slowly receded. When he saw Liang Xiaoke slowly open his eyes, the anxiety that had gripped his heart finally eased.

“Big Brother, are you alright now?” Ye Jingyu’s voice was cheerful.

“Mhm, I’m fine. I’ve completely absorbed the Raging Ape King’s power. I’ve finally reached the third level of the Corpse Emperor realm. If I devour ten more Raging Ape Kings, I should be able to reach the fourth level, hahaha…” Liang Xiaoke laughed triumphantly at the end, causing both Ye Jingyu and Bing Ming to roll their eyes simultaneously.

Ten more? Did he think Sacred Beasts were like pigs raised in his own backyard, available whenever he pleased? Finding this one was already lucky enough; now he wanted ten more—was that not absurd?

After all, although Sacred Beasts were not as powerful as Martial Saints, they were still Desolate Beasts of the same tier; they weren't sold wholesale. If it weren't for some secret technique held by the Gongsun family, finding even two or three Sacred Beasts would have been considered fortunate.

Just as Ye Jingyu was about to tease Liang Xiaoke, a light knocking sound came from outside the stone chamber. Ye Jingyu paused. Before entering seclusion, he had given strict orders not to be disturbed unless there was news of Gongsun Xiangyi. Could there be an update?